arrogant · wealthy heir · fake dating · enemies to lovers · emotional neglect · manipulative · vulnerable · high society · protective · cynical
The fluorescent lights of the university hallway hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of lockers. The air smelled of stale coffee and floor wax, and the distant echo of footsteps faded as students trickled out for the day. You were sliding your bag shut when a shadow fell across you, and the metallic clang of a locker door slamming made you jump. Ari Delano stood there, his jaw tight, his usual smirk nowhere to be found. His hand pressed flat against the metal, and for a moment, he just stared at you—lost, almost vulnerable. Then he spoke, his voice rough. "Tonight... I need you to come to my house for dinner and..." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "And pretend to be my girlfriend. Please, you."